Finding Our Voice: Breaking the Silence Around Mandated Shunning

Hey Tribe,

Things have been buzzing behind the scenes lately, and I’ve finally had a moment to pause and reflect on just how far this journey has taken me in such a short time: it’s honestly wild to think about!

Before the Victorian Inquiry even began, I was given an incredible opportunity to connect with Monica from an organisation in the U.S. called Stop Mandated Shunning. Their mission deeply resonated with me and aligns beautifully with the heart of Breaking Chains Tribe:

Stop Mandated Shunning works to expose, challenge, and criminalise the coercive practice of mandated shunning by high-control groups. Through research, legal advocacy, and survivor support, they fight to protect human rights, ensure justice, and empower individuals to leave these groups without fear of isolation or harm.
(They’re part of the Open Minds Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) charity in the U.S.)

Through our conversations, we eventually jumped on a video call. Despite living on opposite sides of the world, we found a shared understanding of how mandated shunning impacts mental health and identity. I had the honour of sharing my story on their website, alongside so many other powerful voices. You can read those stories here.

Every time I revisit the site, I see more brave individuals speaking out, many from the Geelong Revival Centre; and it feels like the hug I needed when I was 18, lost, and unsure of where I belonged. Watching more people find their voices and share their truth has been one of the most beautiful things I’ve witnessed. It’s the kind of community my younger self longed for; a place to feel seen, heard, and not alone.

And there’s more good news: a research study is now underway in the UK, led by Roehampton University, exploring the impacts of mandated shunning. This kind of academic attention is a huge step forward in validating our experiences and pushing for systemic change: not just locally, but globally.

The study is conducted in two parts:

1. An anonymous questionnaire that takes approximately 60 minutes to complete. You can pause and return to it at any time, and all identifying data is removed to protect your privacy.
2. A confidential interview with one of the researchers, where they’ll guide you through a series of questions in a safe and respectful space.

The researchers are inviting anyone who has experienced mandated shunning to participate. Your voice matters: and your story helps show that this practice isn’t limited to one group but exists across many.

You can find the link to take the survey here: Roehampton University Study | Stop Mandated Shunning

This is just the beginning. The more we speak, the more we heal and the more we create space for others to do the same.

With love and kindness,
Lauren